Barcodes for Wine

The Challenge of Barcoding Wine

Simply Barcodes understands the unique challenges facing those needing to barcode wine. With so many options available, where do you go, and who is legitimate? Customers often share with us that barcoding wines seems so complicated. Do they need a UPC and a case code (SCC code)? What are the guidelines dictated by the State liquor boards or Province liquor control board?

Wine Industry Expertise

Simply Barcodes makes barcoding simple. We have been in business over a decade and count many vineyards, distributors, and liquor stores among our clients. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff stands ready to answer your questions and do more than just sell you barcodes for your wine. We work with you to help your company successfully distribute your wines.

We are thoroughly familiar with many State liquor boards or Province liquor control board requirements for barcoding wine bottle and cases of wine. You face numerous challenges when working to get your products to the market, knowing the barcode requirements for wine should not be one of them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below, you will find many of the most common questions we have answered for our clients over the last 12+ years regarding barcodes for wine. Please take the time to read through them or call us for assistance.

What kind of barcode do I need for bottles of wine?

Wine bottles require a UPC code. UPC codes are the standard 12-digit barcodes that you see on any retail product sold in retail outlets the United States and Canada.

Do I need different UPC codes for different varietals?

Yes. In order for the computer systems of your retailers to know whether the cashier at the register just scanned a Chardonnay or a Viognier, the different varietals must have a different UPC code. Otherwise, it would not be possible for them to keep proper count of inventory.

Do different sizes of wine bottles require a different UPC code?

Yes. The computers at your retailers’ stores must be able to differentiate whether the cashier just scanned a half-bottle, bottle, magnum, or other size of your wine.

How do I barcode different vintages of wine?

This is one of our more frequent question about barcodes for wine.

The answer depends upon how your wine is priced and stocked at the liquor stores or grocery stores. To put it simplest: If there is a chance that two different vintages of your wine will be on the shelves of your retailers AT THE SAME TIME and AT DIFFERENT PRICES, then the two vintages must feature a different UPC code to allow the computer to differentiate among them and ring up the correct price for the given vintage.

What are the barcode requirements for cases of wine?

Barcoding cases of wine is one of the more overlooked aspects of wine barcodes. But, it’s extremely important because several State liquor boards or Province liquor control board have well-defined rules on how a case of wine should be barcoded.

The common barcode standard for cases of wine among the State liquor boards that do impose rules is currently as follows:

The case of wine should feature a copy of the UPC barcode that is on the wine bottles inside of the case. Additionally, they require that the case must feature a Master Case Code or SCC-14 (shipping container) barcode. This is a 14-digit barcode that is used to scan your whole case of wine as it moves through distribution or is received by the stores.

How do I handle half-cases, half-pallets, and complete pallet shipments?

What is barcoding wine going to cost me?

UPC Codes for your bottles of wine are only $89 each. SCC Codes for your half-cases, cases, half-pallets, or pallets are only $25 each.

How do I get barcodes for wine bottles, cases & pallets?

1st

Go to our Order Page or call us at +1-404-869-0701 or toll free at 1-877-872-2060.

2nd

Place your order.

We only require that you provide contact and billing information. You are not required to provide product information.

Your retailer collects your product information, which they associate with your barcode at the Point of Sale.

Note: We also accept checks, money orders, and wire transfers. If you wish to use one of those payment methods, please print and complete this form.

When do I get my wine barcodes?

The turn-around time is often within an hour.
All orders received before 4 p.m. Eastern Time on business days are completed the same day. Orders placed after 4 p.m. will be processed next business day. If you require RUSH completion, please call 1-877-872-2060 (toll-free) or +1-404-869-0701 (international) to make arrangements.

How do I get my barcodes on my product?

Providing the barcode image to your graphic artist and including it in the design of your packaging prior to manufacturing is the easiest and most economical way of getting your barcode on your product.

If your product packaging has already been printed, you will need barcode labels. If you would like to order pre-printed barcode labels, please select this option when ordering your UPC code. If you have already completed your order, then click label printing to order labels. All orders received before 2 p.m. Eastern Time on business days are completed the same day and shipped for free within the continental U.S.

Where can I get more information about barcodes?

We feature more answers to common barcoding questions (such as considerations about size, color, usability, and much more) in our General FAQ. Of course, we are always available to help you by phone.

Call 877-872-2060 (toll-free) or 1-404-869-0701 (international) or live chat with our Experts for more information regarding our barcoding services. Our multilingual customer service team welcomes the opportunity to speak with you about your unique situation.

"Great chat service, easy to navigate website and order delivered on time. All good!"

"Amazing customer service! You all have made this process so easy and simple for me especially with my busy schedule. I’ve learned so much about barcodes for wine and will continue to order from you all. Thanks so much!"

"We are very happy with the service provided by Simply Barcodes. Their barcode experts were especially helpful in answering all my questions. I will definitely do business with them for my other products."